Dennis The Menace
About Dennis The Menace
Dennis the Menace is the brainchild of Hank Ketcham. Appearing in more than 1,000 newspapers, the humor is based on the interaction of five-ana-half-year-old Dennis Mitchell with his parents, neighbors and various friends. Dennis is a combination of good intentions, misdirected helpfulness and exuberant energy, which never fails to provide an entertaining mixture of merriment.
Dennis’ world is inhabited by an assortment of personalities to whom we can all relate: From the grumpy, but lovable, neighbor to the prim and proper girl next door; from the harried, but loving mother to the impressionable and adoring little buddy. They all combine to make Dennis’ (and our) day a little more entertaining. Created by master cartoonist Hank Ketcham and perpetuated by Marcus Hamilton and Ron Ferdinand, Dennis the Menace continues to occupy a place in the pantheon of national, and international, icons.
Awards and Distinctions:
In July 2010, the United States Postal Service unveiled a Dennis postage stamp in homage to his popularity.
Fantagraphics Press is releasing the complete run of Hank Ketcham’s daily panels in beautiful little volumes, each containing two years worth of Hank’s sublime artistry.
SHOUT! Factory is releasing all 146 episodes of the classic “Dennis The Menace” TV series starring Jay North.
With the passing of acclaimed film director, John Hughes, in 2009, the 1993 “Dennis The Menace” film he scripted has acquired a place in his legendary roster of hit films.
Meet the Creators
H. Ketcham
Henry Hank Ketcham created Dennis the Menace in October 1950, and it was syndicated to 16 newspapers the following March. Today the comic is distributed by King Features Syndicate to more than 1,000 newspapers in 48 countries and is translated into 19 languages. Ketcham kept a hand in the day-to-day production of the famous comic […]
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Marcus Hamilton
Marcus was born in Lexington, N.C., and graduated from Atlantic Christian College with a degree in commercial art. In 1965, he and his wife, Kaye, moved to Charlotte, N.C., where he worked in the art department of a local TV station. In 1972, Marcus began a career as a freelance illustrator doing artwork for such […]
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Ron Ferdinand
Ron was born in 1951 in New York City. My interest in cartooning began as soon as I could turn on a TV set! Crusader Rabbit, Colonel Bleep and Clutch Cargo were early influences, said Ron. With the advent of the ’60s and Hanna-Barbera, I was in seventh heaven. The animated Disney films were also […]
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S. Ketcham
Scott Ketcham was born in Geneva, Switzerland, on March 14,1977, when his father Hank Ketcham worked abroad for 18 years. Growing up in a house full of artwork and comic strips, he was heavily influenced at an early age to draw. Looking over his father’s shoulder most of his childhood, Scott was intrigued and decided, […]
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Characters
Alice Mitchell
She brooks no nonsense, orders Dennis into his corner chair when necessary, and spends considerable time on her knees at the bathtub cleaning the grime from her adventurous offspring. ...
Dennis Mitchell
This superactive young upstart has been “5 an’ a half” since he was first created in 1950. He’s too young for kindergarten and too old for the playpen. He’...
George Wilson
The portly George Wilson retired from the Postal Service hoping to enjoy his Golden Years far from noisy children and yapping dogs. He’s often found puttering in his rose garden,...
Gina Gillotti
An attractive young girl of Margaret’s age, who “was thought up in Italy, but was born in America.” Her long black hair and deep brown eyes coupled with the charm of ...
Grampa Johnson
Alice’s father is a short, debonair widower, with a bounce in his step, a twinkle in his eye, and an enthusiastic attitude. He visits twice a year but seldom stays long, more tha...
Henry Mitchell
With a kiss and a wave, this gangly 32-year-old aeronautical engineer leaves home promptly each morning and avoids the many misadventures that occur in his neighborhood during his abse...
Hot Dog
After his new cat devoured an entire package of wieners, Dennis exclaimed, “I’m gonna call you HOT DOG!”
Joey McDonald
Younger and shorter, he’s Dennis’s shadow. Joey eagerly learns various facts of life from his neighborhood hero. Shy and a bit nervous, he is afraid of ghosts, goblins and ...
Margaret Wade
This bespeckled redhead is a bit taller, two years older and, she thinks, MUCH wiser than her heartthrob, Dennis Mitchell. Margaret knows Dennis has great potential, but badly needs sh...
Martha Wilson
A plump, good-natured and understanding lady, Martha has been married to her well-meaning fusspot husband George for nearly 50 years. She loves Dennis as though he was her own grandchi...
Ruff
Ruff is Dennis’s ungainly but amiable canine of uncertain ancestry whose characteristics include large paws, stringy ears and lots of long hair. Dennis gives him the affection an...